Character & Temperament

The Norfolk Terrier is a real terrier in miniature. He is brave, independent and has immense energy. But he is also very people-oriented and loves being part of the family. Despite his small size, he is by no means a lap dog. He has a natural curiosity and sense of adventure that needs to be nurtured and channeled. His original purpose as a rat hunter and stable dog is still evident today in his passion for playing with balls and sticks and his interest in small rodents. It has a strong prey-catching behavior and can therefore not always be easily kept with smaller pets. The Norfolk Terrier is also an alert dog that likes to keep an eye on his home and family. However, he is not prone to barking excessively unless he is excited or bored. His guarding instincts make him a good warning system for visitors or unusual noises, but he is generally friendly towards people and is unlikely to react aggressively. In terms of temperament, the Norfolk Terrier is lively and active. He needs daily exercise to satisfy his energy levels and sharp mind. But he is also able to adapt to different lifestyles as long as he has enough opportunities to play and explore. Despite his independent character, the Norfolk Terrier is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his people. He enjoys being around his family and enjoys participating in family activities. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be in company and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

What Awaits You

Norfolk Terriers are active and docile and need something to do. They are motivated to hunt, versatile and adapt well.

Housing & Care

Norfolk Terriers are versatile dogs that do well in both urban and rural environments. They are small enough to live in an apartment but need enough exercise every day. They tend to be good with children and can also get along well with other pets if socialized from an early age. They are friendly and social and can live well in a household with other dogs.

Training & Education

Raising a Norfolk Terrier can be a fulfilling and fun experience. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. They respond well to positive reinforcement and benefit from early and consistent socialization and training. Norfolk Terriers tend to be active and playful, meaning they need plenty of activity and mental stimulation. They enjoy a variety of activities including agility, obedience training and walks. You can also be good at playing games like fetch, but it's important to ensure balanced play and avoid ball junkie behavior. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of training a Norfolk Terrier. This breed can be stubborn at times, so it's important to be patient and consistent. Training should be fun and positive to keep the dog interested and motivated.

Nutrition & Care

Your Norfolk Terrier's diet should be balanced and nutritious. This breed is not prone to becoming overweight, but it is important to monitor portion sizes and ensure your dog gets an adequate amount of exercise. A combination of high-quality dry food and wet food is usually a good choice, and it is important to ensure your Norfolk Terrier is getting enough protein for his energy needs. Caring for a Norfolk Terrier is relatively easy. Its dense, wiry coat has an undercoat and should be brushed regularly to avoid mats and skin problems. The coat sheds moderately and requires occasional trimming to keep it healthy and neat. This breed copes well with the climate in Germany, although it may require a dog coat in extremely cold weather.